Discussion Questions – Media Messages

Discussion Questions – Media Messages

Mad Ave. (Follis)

1. Name a few ad campaigns that Follis seems to have reservations about.  Why does he have these reservations? 

2. According to Follis, what might cause someone to “sell out?”  That is, what might motivate people to stay in advertising even if they believe it is dishonest?

3. Follis compares advertisers to “criminal lawyers” and “used car salesmen.”  Why are these comparisons significant?

4. Follis states that advertisers should “be willing to accept more social responsibility for the decisions they make in business.”  Do you think this is true?  Or, should it be up to the consumer to filter out the lies?

Flagging Enthusiasm (Eli)

1. What does Eli do to telemarketers when they call, and what is their reaction?  Why is this significant to Eli’s argument?

2. Eli states, “Since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, many marketers and advertisers have started to wrap their products in the American Flag.”  Is he being literal or figurative here?  What does it mean to “wrap” a product in the “American Flag?”  Why might doing this help sell the product?

3. According to Eli, how has marketing changed since September 11?  Give some examples (ones that he gives, or even your own examples).  How does Eli feel about this change?

4. Does Eli believe this change will be permanent?  Why or why not?